PNP eyes 3 suspects in Davao blast

DAVAO CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into the involvement of two females and a male as three persons of interest in last Friday’s explosion, according to Chief PNP Ronald dela Rosa.

In a press conference Saturday evening at Police Regional Headquarters in Camp Catitipan, Dela Rosa said witnesses pointed to three persons who could have left or blown off an improvised explosive device (IED).

Dela Rosa however would not give further details of the three personalities. He was not also sure if the three are still in the city.

Dela Rosa said they were currently cross-matching the three personalities to a gallery of ten terrorists.

Dela Rosa said they were also waiting for the post blast report of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.

Initial findings, Dela Rosa said the IED was crafted from a mortar round based on the fragments taken from the blast area.

According to him, the explosive is closely similar to the signature IED of Abdul Manap Mentang, the suspect in the Valentine’s Day bombing of the Davao City Ecoland Terminal in 2005. Mentang remains at-large.

Dela Rosa however said it could be possible that Mentang was involved in the night market explosion in Roxas last Friday night.

Meanwhile, PRO XI Director Manuel Gaerlan confirmed they have eight witnesses who could help in their investigation.

Gaerlan however refused to give their identities.

Dela Rosa met with members of the Regional Peace and Order Council and chiefs of city and provincial police offices. Lilian Mellejor/PNA/northboundasia.com